Take Three: Good pub grub

The Butterfly and the Pig153 Bath Street, Glasgow0141 221 7711, www.thebutterflyandthepig.comUnique and a little zany, this flighty butterfly and dashing pig have made a rather refreshing splash across the Glasgow pub food scene. The retro décor is typified by wingback chairs and art deco crockery, and even the menu gets in on the act with quirky dishes such as ‘Lamby the Lamb cutlets’.

The Left Bank33-35 Gibson Street, Glasgow0141 339 5969, www.theleftbank.co.ukEffortlessly stylish décor, with wood panelling and exposed brick and lush wallpaper courtesy of Timorous Beasties. One of the West End’s success stories in the last couple of years, it has the holy trinity of dedicated service, competitive prices and honest, solid cooking to thank for its success.

The Basement10a-12a Broughton Street, Edinburgh0131 557 0097, www.thebasement.org.ukStyle bars aren’t all about mocha tones and posh wallpaper: for years, the Basement with its Hawaiian-shirted staff, tall gothic candles and 80s décor has been serving up reliably good, fresh casual dining, from venison pie with Savoy cabbage mash to the weekend menu of Mexican favourites.